2-Day Romantic Escape in Ouro Preto
A slow-paced, intimate 48-hour itinerary for couples who want Baroque charm, golden-hour viewpoints, cozy cafés and candlelit dinners in Ouro Preto. Designed for winter (July) when clear skies and cool evenings make sunset moments and snug restaurants especially romantic.
Highlights
- Sunset at a hilltop mirante with sweeping views
- Private, candlelit hotel dinner and rooftop cocktails
- Expert-paced visits to Baroque churches and Museu da Inconfidência
- A relaxing spa experience for two
- Slow strolls across Praça Tiradentes and hidden lanes
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, gentle exploration of the historic center, a sunset viewpoint and a candlelit dinner to set a romantic tone.
Check in and settle: Hotel Solar do Rosário
Arrive, leave bags, and take a few minutes to freshen up in a historic pousada close to the city center before strolling the town.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask at reception for a quiet room facing the courtyard — it’s warmer and more private on cool winter nights.
- Cobblestone streets are steep; drop luggage with reception if you’d like to explore on foot without heavy bags.
- Request a late-afternoon hot water bottle or extra blankets if you prefer snug, romantic evenings.
Leisurely lunch at Café Geraes
A relaxed Minas-style lunch with local coffee — an unhurried meal to begin your getaway.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a window table to watch the slow city life on Praça Tiradentes while you dine.
- Try a local cheese or pão de queijo with a robust Minas coffee for an authentic start.
- If you’re sensitive to cold, sit inside near the brazier or order a hot regional drink (cachaça hot toddy variations can be cozy).
Museu da Inconfidência — gentle cultural immersion
Explore Minas’ key historical museum at an appreciative, slow pace — ideal for couples who enjoy context and quiet galleries.
Tips from local experts:
- Focus on the small exhibit rooms rather than trying to rush through the entire museum — intimate moments are found in detail.
- The museum has steep stone floors — hold hands while navigating steps for both safety and romance.
- Bring a light scarf: some rooms can be cool in winter to protect the collections.
Stroll Praça Tiradentes and Rua Direita
Slow walk through the heart of Ouro Preto — charming facades, artisan shops and perfect spots for couple photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Pause on a bench or by a fountain for a quiet photo — sunset light in July is soft and flattering.
- Pick a small artisan souvenir together as a memory token rather than shopping for keepsakes.
- Watch your step on the cobbles; hold hands and take the gentler ramps when possible.
Sunset at Mirante do Morro São Sebastião
Climb or drive a short way to this local mirante for golden-hour views across red-tiled roofs and hills — an intimate sunset moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Bundle up — July evenings are cool; bring a shawl or small blanket to cuddle during sunset.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before sunset to choose the best bench or ledge for unobstructed views and photos.
- Bring a small thermos with hot chocolate or coffee (ask your hotel) — sipping something warm elevates the moment.
Return & freshen up (short break)
Back to your pousada to relax, change for dinner and enjoy a private moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the front desk for a quiet table or terrace if you want an in-room picnic or private cheese plate.
- Light a couple of complimentary candles if the hotel provides them for ambience.
- Reserve 30–40 minutes — enough time to feel refreshed without losing the evening’s momentum.
Candlelit dinner at Restaurante do Hotel Solar do Rosário
A romantic, leisurely dinner in the hotel dining room — Minas flavors matched with a curated wine list.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a corner or window table for privacy and the softest lighting.
- Ask the staff for a local red-wine pairing — Minas wines and cachaça-based digestifs are warming on cool nights.
- Reserve in advance and mention you’re celebrating as a couple for small attentions (flowers, dessert note).
Rooftop cocktail for two — evening toast
Finish the night with a quiet rooftop or hotel-bar cocktail — soft music and views over the tiled roofs.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table near the edge for view and intimacy without loud crowds.
- Choose a warming cocktail or a glass of port to cap the night in winter.
- Keep the moment unhurried — this is a dedicated ‘couple’s wind-down’ before bed.
Day 2
A gentle second day: baroque churches, a cozy museum visit, midday relaxation and a dedicated spa experience followed by a golden-hour or mirante moment and a farewell dinner.
Breakfast at the pousada
Slow continental-breakfast with regional cheeses, fresh fruit, and Minas coffee to start the day together.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table that gets morning sun when possible — great for warm photos and a bright start.
- Try regional jams and cheeses; share plates to taste more specialties together.
- If you want a later breakfast, request a boxed breakfast the night before for a private morning picnic.
Igreja de São Francisco de Assis — Baroque masterpiece
Visit Aleijadinho’s landmark church — admire carved soapstone altars, gilded woodwork and intimate chapel spaces.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early to avoid tour groups and spend a quiet 20–30 minutes admiring the details up close.
- Stand together at the nave’s side aisles for a private moment with the sculptures and softer light.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the interior steps and sloping sidewalks can be uneven.
Igreja Nossa Senhora do Pilar — light and gold
Short walk to the gilded interior of the Pilar church — one of the richest Baroque interiors in Brazil.
Tips from local experts:
- Take a quiet seat together near the back to watch light play over the gilded altarpieces.
- If available, request a short explanation from a guide on key pieces — context deepens the shared experience.
- This church can be cooler and more echoing — leaning close and whispering makes the visit intimate.
Casa dos Contos — compact museum visit
A focused 60-minute visit to this historic house-museum for stories of colonial life and thoughtful museum displays.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the guided highlights route rather than trying to see everything — it keeps the experience intimate.
- Pause on the balcony or inner patios for a private moment and good photos of colonial architecture.
- If you both like history, ask the attendant for a quick map of lesser-known rooms to explore together.
Relaxed lunch at Bené da Flauta — cozy regional plates
Enjoy a long, relaxed lunch focusing on local Minas flavors — perfect for couples lingering over conversation.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a quieter table away from the kitchen to keep the meal intimate.
- Order a shared dessert to end lunch on a sweet, conversational note.
- Ask for wine recommendations if you want a slow, romantic pace to the afternoon.
Spa for two at Pousada Villa Rica — a shared pampering session
An afternoon couple’s massage or spa ritual designed to relax and reconnect; book in advance for a dedicated private room.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a couple’s treatment in advance and state your desired pressure and preferences for a tailored experience.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to enjoy a quiet steam or tea together before the treatment.
- Confirm if robes and slippers are provided so you can move to the treatment easily after a chilly walk.
Golden-hour viewpoint (light-walk) — gentle hillside mirante
A final intimate mirante visit to watch light soften across the town and hills — a reflective moment before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light wrap or small blanket to stay warm while watching the last light together.
- Share a thermos of hot drink from the hotel for a private toast as sun fades.
- If mobility is a concern, ask the hotel about the easiest viewpoint access to avoid steep streets.
Farewell candlelit dinner at Restaurante do Hotel Solar do Rosário
A slow, celebratory final dinner with candlelight and a quiet atmosphere to close the trip on a romantic note.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a favorite bottle or dessert you tried earlier in the trip to create continuity in your dining memories.
- Ask staff for a low-light table and a small celebratory dessert note if you want to mark the trip.
- Allow 2 hours for dinner — no rushing; savor the last shared moments of the getaway.
